SB3540 Summary

• Transfers administration of the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to the State Board of Education, effective July 1, 2020.

• Awards scholarships up to $5,000 annually to qualified Illinois students pursuing teacher licensure in shortage disciplines or at hard-to-staff schools, with mentoring and support provided by the Golden Apple Foundation.

• Recipients must commit to teaching for at least 5 years at eligible Illinois schools within 2 years of completing their academic program, or repay the scholarship with 5% interest and collection fees.

• Allows extensions to teaching obligations for recipients pursuing graduate studies in education, serving in armed forces, experiencing disability, or participating in federal service programs.

• Requires at least 30% of scholarships be awarded to students in counties with populations under 500,000, and establishes annual reporting requirements and independent audits of program operations.